Smarter Writer

A charity committed to combatting cases of social injustice in Australia has been named the 2017 Telstra Tasmanian Business of the Year.

Announced at the 25th annual Telstra Tasmanian Business Awards, which were held in Hobart last night, the winner, BIG hART, was set up as an innovative experiment to find new ways of dealing with social disadvantage.

The collective unearths cases of hidden injustice and works closely with those experiencing the issue to overcome it and move forward in their lives. They then transmit their stories, outlining the evidence and method of change through the media and on social networks.

BIG hART’s CEO Scott Rankin says the organisation raises the profile of issues such as family violence, the incarceration of indigenous people and slavery at sea with the goal to empower vulnerable individuals, foster social cohesion and drive positive and generational change.

“Big hART focuses on what is strong - rather than what is wrong - in communities to deliver much-needed pathways to economic participation for some of the most at risk and hidden groups in the country,” he said.

The business also took home the 2017 Telstra Tasmanian Charity Award.

Celebrating their 25th year, the Telstra Business Awards showcase the achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of Australia’s best small and medium businesses (SMBs) and more recently, charities as well.

Telstra Director, Branded Channels, Mike Tregurtha, said the winners of the 2017 Telstra Tasmanian Business Awards demonstrate what it takes to become ‘that’ business – a leader in their field, a name that is trusted and admired and an organisation that inspires others.

“The Tasmanian winners have combined their affinity for creative thinking and a willingness to adopt new technology to make a significant contribution to their respective communities and industries,” he said.

“BIG hART’s refusal to shy away from tackling Australia’s most pertinent issues has connected with communities nationwide and seen them become an inspiring arts and social change organisation.

“Its team of incredibly creative and engaged individuals has shaped world-class art and music productions. The organisation’s influence is extraordinary in scale and their work is truly helping to create a new social trajectory for Australia.”

Other businesses recognised at the 2017 Telstra Tasmanian Business Awards were:

• Ankalia Textiles’ stylish baby carriers and accessories saw the company take home the 2017 Telstra Tasmanian New Business Award
• House of Dance Tasmania, a training school for aspiring dancers, was named winner of the 2017 Telstra Tasmanian Micro Business Award
• Salamanca Dental, a practice that offers smile makeovers, is the 2017 Telstra Tasmanian Small Business Award winner